Dead man bones (Skidelina)

“Dead man bones,” or “osso dei morte,” os a Sicilian confection also called scadalina or skidelina. At Angelo Brocato Ice Cream & Confectionery, it’s a hard clove-flavored white cylinder perched on one side of a firm brown cookie. It’s traditionally made for All Saints’ Day.

“The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion: The Essential Cookie Cookbook” (Countryman Press) notes that each region of Italy has its own special flavor combination for osso dei morte: almond, lemon, anise or cinnamon. This recipe, from the local “St. Joseph Women’s Club Altar Cookbook,” is flavored with orange, cinnamon and allspice.